Vice Unification Minister Shin Eon-sang says it is time to discuss mechanisms for establishing peace on the Korean Peninsula.

Shin on Thursday told a regular news briefing that now is right time to hold serious discussion on the matter, adding that a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula and peace in the region can be pursued simultaneously.

The vice minister also said Pyongyang has not yet responded to Seoul’s proposal of holding the 22nd round of general-level talks early next month, but added it is too early to tell if the North has rejected the offer.